Description of the Procedure

You will be given IV fluids and antibiotics. Your foot will be washed with an antibacterial solution. The surgeon will make an incision into the skin around the area. The blood vessels will be tied off or sealed with an electrical current. This will prevent bleeding. The involved bones will be removed.

The ends of the remaining bone(s) will be smoothed. The remaining skin and muscle will be pulled over the open area. It will be closed with stitches. A sterile dressing will then be placed over the incision.

If there is an active infection, tubes may be left in place to allow fluids to drain. In some cases, the skin will not be closed but will instead be packed with a moist dressing.

Immediately After Procedure

You will be taken to a recovery room. There, you will be monitored for any negative effects from the surgery or anesthesia.
You will be given pain medicine. You may also receive more antibiotic medicines.

How Long Will It Take?

20-60 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. The area will be painful after the surgery. You will be given medication to help control the pain.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 2-7 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

Your foot will be kept elevated.

The remaining toes or foot will be wrapped with a bulky dressing. This will protect it from injury.

You will be encouraged to get up and begin walking as soon as the wound allows.

A physical therapist will likely assist you in walking at first.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

You may be advised to begin an exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation program.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s
instructions
.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site

Chalky white or blackish appearance of foot, other toes, or leg

Decreased sensation, numbness, or tingling in the rest of your foot, toes, or leg

Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medications you were given after surgery, or that persist for more than one day after discharge from the hospital

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms

In case of an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.